The Danger of Ignoring Early Warning Signs When Things Seem 'Fine'

At first, everything at the sports equipment store runs as usual. Customers visit, sales are steady, and the community feels tight-knit. However, the manager starts noticing little things: a few regulars don't drop by anymore, and there’s a new competitor across town with sleeker ads. An employee reports the floor looks dustier than before, but everyone laughs it off.

Months pass, and these changes continue quietly—less foot traffic, someone asking if “you still carry that old model,” the phone ringing less often. When a quarterly review shows a drop in revenue, panic sets in, but by then, the problem’s roots are deep. The team rushes to respond, but their reactions feel frantic rather than strategic, like patching leaks instead of preventing the flood.

Behavioral economists call this “change blindness”—our brains overlook slow shifts because anything gradual seems less threatening. However, those who train themselves to regularly spot trends and tiny deviations (sometimes called a “change checkup”) develop an early-warning radar. This small discipline saves big stress and positions you as someone who adapts by choice, not by crisis.

Once a week, set aside a few quiet minutes to reflect on recent changes in a key area—your class performance, your job, your friendships. Jot down what you see, no matter how minor: maybe a classmate’s mood, your energy levels, or a kiosk's new product. Then talk it through with someone you trust, asking what it could signal. The key is to stay curious without judging yourself. This tiny, consistent act can turn you into the person who spots new opportunities—or warns your team—before loss or crisis strikes. Try it this week and let your awareness be your advantage.